Introducing DOCJSLIB, Part I: Final Thoughts - Doc JavaScript

A Final Word

In this column we have introduced DOCJSLIB, a cross-browser JavaScript library for managing DHTML elements. DOCJSLIB uses the concept of Application Procedural Interface (API) and thus promotes object oriented programming. DOCJSLIB hides the inner working of its functions and exposes just the needed parameters. DOCJSLIB frees you from taking care of the platform inconsistency handling, and lets you concentrate on the application itself.

We have described in detail the functionality of Version 1.0. It supports three functions. The makeImage() function is the heart of the library and handles the creation of the DHTML element. The setSrc() and getSrc() functions get and set, respectively, the URL of the image's GIF. We have also explained how to program the handleImageClick() event handler.

We have demonstrated how to build an application with DOCJSLIB. Walking through our Connect-Three board game code, we gave some general directives on how and where to start and how to translate your unique idea into a working page.

In this column you have learned:

• How to recognize the main differences between browsers' DHTML elements.
• How to use a number of common methods for handling inconsistencies between browsers.
• How to use DOCJSLIB for handling inconsistencies between browsers.
• How to interpret DOCJSLIB's model for a cross-browser DHTML element..
• How to decipher the makeImage() function.
• How to use DOCJSLIB for writing your application's body.
• How to use DOCJSLIB for writing your application's event handler.
• How to use DOCJSLIB for writing your application's functions.

We have shown you the code for the Connect Three board game and DOCJSLIB library.